Breast Revision Surgery (Implant Replacement) in Plano, TX

Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States, and in many cases, yields beautiful and natural outcomes. However, sometimes a patient can be unhappy with the appearance of her breasts and may require breast revision surgery. It is important to note that not all revision surgeries are because of surgeon error. While few breast augmentations do end with a poor outcome, there are women who wish to have a larger or smaller implant while others may have a visible irregularity and ask to have the breast implant corrected or removed all together. Furthermore, some women require revision treatment for a particular condition. Plano, TX plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Caruth performs breast revision surgery and gives an in-depth exam at Beyond Beautiful so that the desired outcome is achieved.

If you have any problems (either cosmetic or medical) after breast augmentation surgery, please schedule a consultative appointment with our staff to go over your goals and to create your custom surgical plan. Whether it's scar tissue, breast drooping, rippling, or asymmetry, revision surgery can help correct the condition and result in a more pleasing and properly functioning outcome. This procedure may also help if you would like to alter the implant style, size, or address another aspect of your breasts.

Breast revision surgery takes out or exchanges an implant that is either not functioning properly or is no longer desired. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to switch implant size or go from silicone to saline (or vice versa). There are other common cases where a revision treatment is desired or required.

Asymmetry occurs when the implant sizes look uneven. This is because of an incorrectly sized implant, a lack of tissue on one side, or a different condition that would cause asymmetry. A proper diagnosis would need to take place to determine what is leading to the asymmetry, then surgery would be implemented to correct the issue, and finally, a new set of breast implants would be placed to create a symmetrical look.

Bottoming out is a condition that happens when one or both implants drop too low or "bottom out." Sometimes, this is a positioning and placement error from the first surgical procedure. There are a few different methods that can be performed to address this issue.

There are times breast revision surgery is as straightforward as getting a smaller or larger sized implant. With the original surgery, you may have opted to go too big or too small. A different implant size can be inserted to achieve the desired aesthetic goal.

This is the term used for an area of hardening because of scarring, occurring when the delicate tissue around the breast implant becomes thick and hard. While breast implants do result in some internal hardening, most individuals will never realize this. In some instances, the scarring could change the implant placement, which can change the implant function and result in an undesirable outcome. Scar tissue removal surgery to eliminate scarring would be necessary.

Implant rippling occurs when there are visible wrinkles and ripples beneath the skin. This deformity typically forms around the edge of the implant. Rippling is more common in women who are relatively thin. Often, this issue can be corrected by simply switching to a silicone implant if a saline one was in place.

Implant rupture may occur. When a saline breast implant ruptures, the implant will deflate almost immediately. Therefore, a visible defect will occur. On the other hand, if the implant is silicone-based and ruptures, it may require an MRI and/or ultrasound. In either case, if a rupture happens, a replacement treatment will be needed.

Symmastia is a condition that happens when implants are inserted and placed too close together. In most cases, this is because the breast implant chosen was the incorrect shape and width. Breast revision surgery will repair this issue by picking an implant that works with your body type and looks balanced.

After your procedure and an observation period, you will be sent home to start your recovery. Recovery from a revision surgery varies, depending on what is involved in your surgery. Any type of revision that requires multiple procedures will incur a longer recovery, which could last up to several months. You should slowly start to see your results once the swelling starts to disappear. Dr. Jeffrey Caruth or someone on our team will discuss what should be expected while you recover, as well as recommendations to help speed your healing. You should attend your follow-up visits as often as directed so we can monitor your recovery and results.

What if Dr. Holden wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Holden can perform your revision surgery even if he wasn't the surgeon who performed your breast augmentation. Breast revision surgery can be more difficult than the original augmentation if you want significant changes or have problems, which is why it's important to find a facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Holden, who has years of experience and advanced training in breast surgery. Dr. Holden also invites his patients to return to Beyond Beautiful Texas Plastic Surgery for revision surgery after their augmentation surgery if they notice an issue or want new implants.

Will there be new scars following a breast revision?
If possible, Dr. Holden will make incisions for breast revision surgery in the original augmentation incisions. If this isn't possible, he will place the revision incisions where they are least visible. Revision surgery may use a transaxillary incision (through the armpit), a periareolar incision (on the lower edge of the areola), an inframammary incision (under the fold of the breast), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Holden or a member of his team will explain scar care management so your new incisions heal flat and blend into your skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
While implants can last a long time, they usually do require replacement eventually. Once you've had breast augmentation surgery, it is important to get your implants examined at least once a year so Dr. Holden can help you decide when your implants should be exchanged. With frequent advances in medical technology, you may prefer the new implant shapes and types to get the best outcome during breast revision surgery.

Breast revision surgery is a custom treatment tailored for your individual problem by Dr. Jeffrey Caruth. If you are not happy with your breast augmentation results or wish for a different result, we invite you to contact our Plano, TX office to schedule your appointment at Beyond Beautiful. There are numerous factors to consider, and we will perform a full physical examination, create your revision recommendations, and help set realistic outcome expectations for the surgery.